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Jeremy Konaris ‘02
“Going to museums and plays with achieve broadened me culturally. Socially it helped me because most people assume that I just like sports and music, but find it surprising that I appreciate different things.”

Ryan Sims ‘03
“The best thing about achieve is the mentality that everyone will succeed. If you WILL yourself to succeed then you WILL! ”

Rosa Magana ‘06
“achieve has served as a substitute parent and mentor, introducing me to the theater, art, community service, and possible careers. It has expanded my knowledge of the possibilities and options that are out there.”

Rosi Rodriquez ‘06
“achieve has challenged me to reach my full potential of being a bright, altruistic, competent young Mexican American woman.”

Devon Burnett ’05
“Being a part of achieve helped me improve my communication and people skills. I learned the importance of networking, staying in touch, and to always make a great first impression.”

Diana Perez ’05
“The achieve staff really does care about each student — not only while you are in high school, but beyond. They give you the support to insure that the success you had in high school will continue through college.”

Gladys Martinez ‘10
“What I find most helpful about achieve is that I always have someone at my back, pushing me towards the edge of a cliff. So far, I’m almost able to fly off that cliff with the help of achieve.”

Karen Gonzalez ‘07
“The achieve cultural events have helped me to realize that there is a whole world out there to discover beyond the comfort of my home. ”

Alberto Martinez ‘08
“Overall, I think the best thing about being in achieve is becoming a part of a new family and having new brothers and sisters.”

Eia Gardner ‘09
“achieve has instilled in me characteristics that I will need in the future: to speak up for myself, to stand up for what is right, to accept change, and to be bold in every situation that I face. ”

Michael Lech ‘08
“The single most life-changing experience that I have had since being in achieve is knowing that I can succeed if I set my mind to it. ”

Martin Marquez ‘08
“I truly feel that achieve is a family--- my family. I can always talk to my achieve brothers and moderators because I know that they are there for me and they are there to listen to what I have to say.”

Alyssia Smith ‘09
“I like the fact that achieve gives young minorities a chance to succeed in life and beat the odds.”

Teresa Hartwell ‘10
“achieve is like an extra parent. It keeps you on top of your school business and pushes you to your potential.”

Katia Garcia ‘10
“The best thing about being in achieve is that we have someone other than our parents to go to for help. Achieve is like one loving family.”

Mirasol Moncada ‘08
“achieve motivates me to reach my academic potential by providing me with solutions to my problems and having unending faith in me.”

Mia Henderson-Bonilla ‘08
“The most helpful thing about being in achieve is the sense of a community. At the beginning of freshman year, everyone is new, then by senior year everyone has created a bond that makes the achieve community so strong.”

Erika Rosas ‘09
“The best part of being in achieve is that it helps us become aware of our strengths and capabilities—but not only that, we learn how to use our strengths to help ourselves and to help others.”

Corrina Ramos ‘10
“achieve shows me that school is the key to your future and that it is very important to always give 100% in everything that you do.”

Chiandra Lewis ‘08
“I think the one particular thing I have gained from my achieve experience that will help me most in the future is knowing that it feels good to give back.”

Dani Erves ‘07
“Being in achieve has given my future a jumpstart and the tools I need to succeed.”

Johanna Vargas ‘07
“Confidence in myself has been the most valuable gift the achieve experience has given me. The belief in myself that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to will help me do my best in life.”

Valeria Navea ‘08
“achieve has taught me to always try my best and to truly believe in myself. When others see that confidence, they too will believe in you.”

Elizabeth Abundis ‘08
“achieve has made me more confident and taught me the importance of finding a passion. How beautiful and fulfilling it is to do what you love!”
Summer Programs

Summer may bring time off from school, but not from the many learning opportunities achieve participants pursue. We strive to provide our students enlightening and enriching adventures all year long. achieve staff meet with students towards the end of the school year to help plan their summer activities.


Internships
Students are encouraged to learn about the world of work through summer internships based on individual career interests. Students gain professional learning experiences that expand their horizons, introduce them to new people, and allow them to earn extra money. The program requires all students to work each summer. Each student receives a cash stipend of $250 with the remaining compensation being placed in an individual custodial savings account that they may use for colleges expenses.

Students have also participated in leadership, travel and adventure programs such as Summer Search, Outward Bound, Coro Exploring Leadership Program and University of California Outreach Program. Students have traveled as far as Guyana and Tibet where they have volunteered teaching English and providing basic medical care.

The following organizations and business provided 2007 summer internships:


Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
California Center for Creative Land Recycling
City and County of San Francisco Office of the District Attorney
CNET Networks
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
DFS Group Limited
First Republic Bank
Forell/Elsesser Engineers
Gensler Architects
Gerson Bakar & Associates
Lawler & Lawler
Macys
Sephora
Telecare Corp.
Triton Funding Group
University of California Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
University of California Presidio Trust
UCSF
Wild Planet Toys
U. C. Berkeley Athletic Dept.
Westlake Apartments
Jewish Community Center
Smith Barney
State Senator for Dan Peralta's Office
Cal Academy of Sciences
Exploratorium
David Friedman
Girls Inc.
LBA REalty
San Francisco Museum of Fine Arts
Sutter Medical Center


At achieve we are always looking to expand the summer internship choices for our students. achieve students are highly motivated young people with boundless energy and true leadership potential. If you would like to join our program by hosting an intern, please contact Adele Crady at acrady@achieveprogram.org or call at 415.576-8100.


Summer Study
Students entering the achieve program are administered a diagnostic reading assessment. Those students significantly below grade level begin intensive remediation during the summer. Our reading specialists are trained in the Lindamood-Bell method, a multi-sensory approach to reading and writing remediation. Students needing further remediation continue with individual tutoring during the school year.

In addition, students come to the achieve office for regularly scheduled group study sessions focused on school assigned summer reading and writing.

Incoming Riordan and Mercy freshmen are required to attend summer school.